Ambien is your friend for crossing timezones IF you have experience taking it in a controlled environment (ie, at home with someone else present) beforehand.

On a plane or in a strange hotel room is NOT the place to try ambien for the first time (or second/third time, for that matter).

I prefer to sleep when I'm tired, and then use ambien to force sleep on schedule at my destination...waking up in-sync with my destination with 14 hours of sleep under my belt.

Oh yea....stay hydrated, eat light, get up and walk around as much as possible. Deep knee bends are quite refreshing. Smartwool socks. A clean t-shirt in your carryon, just in case.